The Seychelles From May to October


from$ 2136 AUD



Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.

Ship
Sea Star & Sea Bird
City
Mahe to Mahe


Overview

Isolated in the Indian Ocean and the only mid-ocean islands of granite formation to be found on earth, the Seychelles archipelago is often mentioned in the same breath as the lost 'Garden of Eden.' The highest peaks of a submerged mountain range that broke apart from the supercontinent of Gondwana millions of years ago, the Seychelles' inner islands are the most ancient islands on earth - no other mid-ocean isles of granite formation can be found anywhere else. This curious geological feature was one of several curiosities about the islands that led the famed British General, Charles Gordon, to declare Seychelles the site of the biblical Garden of Eden. Situated some 1,500 kilometers east of mainland Africa, and northeast of the island of Madagascar, this tiny island group boasts a population of just 90,000 inhabitants, with a warm, tropical climate all year-round and some of the most stunningly beautiful beaches in the world. Mahé, the largest island, is home to the majority of the population and represents the archipelago's commercial and transportation hub, with the country's only international airport linking the islands to the rest of the globe. The island is characterised by its towering granite peaks, lush mist forests and dozens of striking coves and beaches. The second largest island, Praslin, is home to the legendary Vallée de Mai, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Coco de Mer grows in abundance. This double coconut, which curiously resembles the shape of a woman's pelvis, was another facet of General Gordon's theory about Seychelles as the Garden of Eden - he believed it to be the real forbidden fruit. La Digue, the third-most populous island, moves at an even slower pace: bicycles remain the most common mode of transportation, for both its residents and visiting tourists. The huge granite boulders that adorn the coastline at Anse Source D'Argent have led some to believe that it could very well be the most photographed beach in the world. While Mahé, Praslin and La Digue may be the principal islands, dozens of smaller 'satellite' isles nearby offer further opportunity to explore and admire. Every island has a character and charm all of its own, with colorful individual histories and unique natural features, some with steep granite cliffs and others comprising pristine coral atolls. Together, they make up a surprisingly diverse destination of great natural beauty, rare flora and fauna that have been cocooned in isolation for millions of years, and a friendly multi-cultural people eager to welcome you to their shores. Your safety and comfort are our highest priority. In the event of adverse conditions, all itineraries are subject to change at the captain’s discretion. - Be sure to bring plenty of coral reef safe sun-screen, a cap or hat and sunglasses - Seychelles is generally warm and sunny throughout the year and the sun’s rays can be especially impactful onboard the vessel, due to the reflection from the sea. - Bring suitable footwear for walking on deck and on the beach, as well as in shallow water (some island visits require embarking & disembarking from dinghies in shallow water). - There are numerous opportunities to dive on most days of the itinerary, and we can also conduct introductory dives for novices and PADI Open Water certification courses. Contact us for dive rates and equipment rental fees. - This cruise is full board - we serve a combination of International and authentic Creole cuisine. Please contact us for special dietary needs. - Bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits are all available on board. Price list available on request.

Overview

  • MOSSC
  • 8 Days
  • Sea Star & Sea Bird

Cruise Itinerary

  • Mahe (Seychelles)
  • Mahe (Seychelles)
  • East Africa

Departures

Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.

Cruise Itinerary

Embarkation at the Inter-Island Quay at 1030hrs for official welcome and briefing by the captain. Depart from Port Victoria at 1200hrs, sailing up and around the scenic coastline of Mahé's northern peninsula, past the beautiful bay of Beau Vallon, and along the dramatic backdrop of the northwestern coast of the island, with its opposing granite boulders, lush vegetation and striking blue water. In the evening, introduce yourself to Creole cuisine with a welcome barbecue onboard the vessel.


Sail to the beautiful Baie Ternay Marine Park and Nature Reserve on the western coast of Mahé, where calm, crystalclear waters provide for excellent snorkelling and diving during the day. An afternoon sail back to Beau Vallon Bay positions the vessel in one of the island's best places to watch the countless shades of pink and orange of a Seychelles sunset.


Early morning sail towards Cousin island off the coast of Praslin, for morning visit of this strictly protected nature reserve, famed for its sea bird colonies and also as a sanctuary for Seychelles' rare endemic land birds and other native species. After lunch we sail to Praslin, for an afternoon of diving and water-sports.


Disembarkation on Praslin, Seychelles' second-largest inhabited island, for the visit of the famous World Heritage Site, the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve. This ancient forest is home to the curiously shaped double coconut, the coco de mer, as well as the Black Parrot, unique to Praslin. Explore the valley's eerie pathways beneath its canopy of massive palms, before returning onboard for afternoon opportunities to dive, snorkel or enjoy other water sports.


A morning sail brings the vessel to La Digue, a sleepy island community where ox-carts and bicycles still remain the most common mode of transportation throughout the island. La Digue is home to the endemic Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, and is perhaps most famous for its massive granite boulder formations at Anse Source d'Argent, which is thought to be the most photographed beach on earth. Explore the entire island by bicycle, perhaps stopping by Union Estate, a sprawling network of traditional island activities, including a copra mill, vanilla plantation, and shipyard.


In the morning disembark at Curieuse for a visit of this virtually uninhabited island. Experience the island's vast mangrove forests and its giant tortoise farm, along with the historic ruins of this former leper colony. After a barbecue lunch on the island, enjoy an array of water sports or simply relax and enjoy the island's beautiful beach and turquoise waters. In the afternoon, sail towards the tiny, picturesque granite outcrop of St. Pierre. It is an excellent site for snorkelling and diving, with the nooks and crannies of its granite boulders teeming with marine life. Sail to Anse Lazio, one of the most beautiful beaches of Praslin, and arguably, all of Seychelles - a perfect place for water-sports.


After breakfast the vessel begins its sail towards Mahé, anchoring in the Ste Anne Marine National Park with its cluster of lush granite islands for an afternoon of water-sports and diving. Overnight at Ile Seche.


Disembarkation at the Inter-Island Quay at 08.30hrs.


Itineraries are subject to change.


Sea Star & Sea Bird

Vessel Type:  Motorised Schooner Length: 40m Sea Star / 42m Sea Bird Passenger Capacity: 22 Built: 2002 / 2000 The SY Sea Star is a 40-metre custom-built yacht with three masts and five Bermuda sails, with classic wood finishings across its 9 spacious guest cabins and common areas. The SY Sea Bird was redesigned in 2007 to begin cruising in Seychelles, is a two-masted 42-metre yacht with four Bermuda sails, sleek contours and modern interiors across its 9 en-suite guest cabins and common areas.

Highlights

• Diving and snorkelling in the Seychelles reveal the best of the magical underwater world that the Indian Ocean has to offer. Unique granite boulder formations, coral reefs and wrecks are home to colourful tropical fish, turtles, sharks, rays and many other species. Some of the best dive sites in Seychelles’ inner islands are easily accessible on our cruises. Each vessel is certified as a PADI dive resort, and has a dedicated PADI dive instructor onboard to accommodate the needs of both seasoned and novice divers alike. • All cruises include complimentary equipment for kayaking and snorkelling (masks and fins). We also offer the opportunity to enjoy traditional bottom-line fishing in certain areas, with our chef ready to prepare fresh Seychelles-style sashimi or grilled fish in the event of a successful catch. • For Sailing enthusiasts Sea Star and Sea Bird feature a modern furling system. • Each day onboard presents a new opportunity to explore isolated bays and coves, colourful marine parks, and protected nature reserves or uninhabited islands. Spotting the incredibly rare Magpie Robin and other endemic birds, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallee de Mai, or getting up close and personal with a giant tortoise, are just a few of the many special experiences that await on the islands we visit.

Map